World Bunkering > News > Spring 2010 > Global round-up

ASIA

Singapore navy signs up to MSM bidding system
Multi Service Marine has signed a long-term agreement for providing bunker fuel and service procurement to Singapore’s Defence Science and Technology Agency (DSTA).

The agreement allows bunker suppliers on the Multi Service bunker network to provide tenders on marine fuel and chandlering services for the DSTA through the company’s web-based bunker procurement solution, altivisTM. Multi Service will process and reconcile all transactions with bunker suppliers directly, including payment of suppliers. Suppliers on the network can choose exactly which refuelling contracts they would like to bid for, and have the option of standard or fast payment terms from Multi Service.

“Primarily, the Singapore Navy operates in the Asia Pacific region,” said Colin Wills, Business Development Representative for the Marine division of Multi Service Government Programs. “Our network of bunker suppliers in this region is strong and continues to grow. This puts the government of Singapore in a position to acquire competitive pricing from a collection of suppliers who would otherwise find it difficult to quote efficiently.” Since finalising the contract, Multi Service has successfully completed transactions in Indonesia and Australia.

Bunker licence cancelled
The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has cancelled the Bunkering Licences of Faber Marine Pte Ltd with effect from 9 December 2009. This follows the conviction of a director of Faber Marine Pte Ltd in court for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act, in connection with the delivery of bunkers.

AMERICAS

Maxum Petroleum launches new tank barge charter program
Maxum Petroleum announced in December that it has signed a letter of intent to charter two newbuild 10,000 barrel US Flag, OPA 90-compliant, double-hull ABS Oceans tank barges from Global Marine Transportation, as part of its fleet renewal programme. The two tank barges are currently under construction at Trinity Marine Products’ shipyard in Madisonville, LA. The first tank barge is scheduled for delivery in June 2010 and will be deployed in the ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach. The second barge, scheduled for delivery in July 2010 will be deployed in Seattle, WA.

This letter of intent includes an option for Maxum to charter a further two similar new tank barges for delivery in the second half of 2010.

“We are pleased to have signed this letter of intent with Global Marine Transportation as an important step in modernising Maxum Petroleum’s marine delivery capabilities,” said Chuck McDaniel, President of Maxum Petroleum’s Marine division. “These new OPA 90-compliant barges will allow Maxum Petroleum to continue providing our customers with the high quality service they have come to expect from us for years to come.”

Inisfada to act for Addax
US-based Inisfada Bunkering and Consulting is to act as a consultant for Addax Bunkering Services to facilitate bunker trading and credit facility operations in North and South America. Inisfada will also assist Addax in marketing its physical supply operations in /offshore West and East Africa.

Inisfada is managed by Dennis Sears, who worked for the AddEast joint venture between Addax and Eastwind.

AFRICA

Stena Oil launches bunkering operations in West Africa
Stena Oil has expanded its bunkering services into West Africa. Starting at the end of January, Stena Oil and its partner Tarntank have been using customised tankers to supply fuels to vessels from Abidjan to Lagos, Pointe Noire and down the coast to Luanda, operating 30-50 miles off the coast. The venture operates two customised tankers on long-term timecharter, Tarnsjo (10,887 dwt) and Tarnfors (8,245 dwt)

AUSTRALIA

Strong start for OW Bunker
OW Bunker has reported a strong growth for its Australian office in its first year of operations. The customer base now includes some of the largest shipowners and operators in the region, as well as fishing fleets operating in New Zealand and around the Pacific Islands, and the cruise industry. OW Bunker Australia also acts as the purchasing centre for the entire Group in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific Island.

Following the completion of feasibility studies, OW Bunker says plans for the future include the potential development of a physical presence, to work in conjunction with the trading and risk management divisions, as well as developing opportunities in the offshore sector, supplying marine diesel oil (MDO) to oil rigs and their support vessels in the extensive oil and gas regions of the North West Shelf. The company also aims to capitalise on the opportunities from the A$50 billion Gorgon petroleum project in Western Australia, which involves the development of the Greater Gorgon gas fields, providing quality fuel products to the support and supply vessels, as well as the LNG vessels, on the conclusion of the project.

Commenting on the development, Stefan Poulus, Branch Manager, OW Bunker Australia, said: “Despite the economic downturn, shipping is critical to the Australian economy, a region that is so rich in natural resources and relies heavily on export. Coupled with the developments in the offshore market, and the LNG sector, Australia is a market of opportunity for OW Bunker in its own right, as well as providing vital support to the Singapore operation and the rest of the Group. We are confident of continuing the successes and growth of our first year, expanding our presence accordingly, and looking for all opportunities that can help improve our service and offering for customers.”

EUROPE

New barge for CEPSA
CEPSA Marine Fuels has put into place a new barge in Algeciras Bay, providing service for the ports of Algeciras and Gibraltar. The 4,200 cu m double-hull barge Spabunker Cuarenta can deliver up to five products from segregated tanks; three for fuel oil, one for MGO and one for MDO, providing a great versatility in everyday operations. The barge has a pumping rate of 3x600 cu m/h for fuel oil and 200 cu m/h for MGO and MDO, with a total capacity of 3,600 tonnes of FO and 500 tonnes of MGO/MDO respectively.

Aegean wins Belgian EMSA contract
Aegean’s Belgian subsidiary, Aegean Bunkers at Sea, has been awarded a clean-up stand-by contract by the European Maritime Safety Agency (EMSA). This is part of an EMSA scheme to increase the available oil pollution response capacity in the English Channel and its Atlantic approaches. The Sara, a 7,233 dwt double-hull bunkering tanker, will serve on stand-by through 2013, and will continue to provide bunkering services in the area during the stand-by period. Nikolas Tavlarios, president, commented, “Aegean is proud to team with EMSA to ensure a rapid response in the event of an oil spill. This prestigious contract is directly related to our steadfast commitment to safety and environmental protection.”

TURKEY

New board for TBA
The Turkish Bunker Association (TBA) has elected a new board of directors. Yesim Muhtaroglu of Energy Petrol has been elected as president for the association for period 2010-2011. Established in 2001, TBA has become the main body representing the Turkish bunker industry in official and non-official platforms, and organises the biannual Istanbul Bunker Conference.

The new board of directors is:

President – Yesim Muhtaroglu (Energy Petrol)
Vice President – Sibel Buyuk (TBS)
Secretary General – Mustafa Yilmaz (DTO Petrol)
Treasury – A. Deniz Eraydin (Cye Petrol)
Member – Mustafa Aslan (Asmira Petrol)

ON THE MOVE

New offices for the Mamidakis Brothers Group
The Mamidakis Brothers Group has moved all its enterprises under one roof. The companies now located in in its new offices in Kifisia are JETOIL Bunkering, Styga Compania Naviera S.A. and JET TANK S.A.

Contact details are:
JETOIL Bunkering
27 Evrota & Kifissou, 14564 Kifisia.
Tel: 210-8763140
Fax: 210-8763139
E-mail: bunkering@jetoil.gr